PERRATON, John Raymond

John R. (Jack) Perraton CM, Q.C. LL.D., beloved husband of Charlotte, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2012 after a valiant battle with leukemia at the age of 65 years surrounded by his family.

Besides his loving wife of thirty-eight years, Jack is survived by his four children and their spouses, Stacey (Sheldon), Trevor (Kim), Kris (Glenna), and Lindsay (Chad); seven grandchildren, Carter, Tristan, Ryan, Chase, Kaia, Jack and Keating. He is also survived by two sisters and their spouses, Marlene (Frank), and Nancy (Albert) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Grace Perraton.

Jack, beloved family man, “Citizen Extraordinaire” and “Calgary’s Ultimate Volunteer”, was a senior partner of the Calgary office of Perraton Law. Jack was also very active in several professional associations and community organizations. He acted as the Chairman of the Canada 2005 Exposition Corporation, which led Canada’s bid to host a World’s Fair in 2005. He was the recipient of many awards in recognition of his community and professional service, including the Lions Melvin Jones Fellow, the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, the Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association (Alberta) in 1996, and was named Calgary’s Citizen of the Year for 1997. In June 1998, Jack was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of Calgary, and in October 1999 was named as the Honourary Counsel General for the Republic of Korea in Alberta. In 2001, Jack was made a member of the Order of Canada and in 2003, received an Alumni Honour Award from the University of Alberta. Jack belonged to the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association. He was formerly the President of the Calgary Winter Club, the Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Calgary and the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, and a member of the Community Advisory Board of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. In 2011, Jack was invested with the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from the University of Calgary.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone from Unit 57 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. A Memorial Celebration will follow at the University of Calgary’s Jack Simpson Gymnasium at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the Jack Perraton Bursaries at the University of Calgary (http://bit.ly/perraton) or the Kids Cancer Care Foundation (www.kidscancercare.ab.ca).

Condolence Messages

Jack’s passing will leave a giant hold in the universe. He was much admired by all who knew him. I knew Jack when I worked on floor five at the Shaw building for Corus Entertainment. He would pass by me and we always talked. He worked tirelessly and I told him often to slow down but he never would. He was a wonderful man, loving husband and father and a great friend. You will be missed dearly my friend.

I would like to express my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. I first met Jack when I moved to Calgary in 1978/79 and worked for his law firm, Perraton Masuch & MacDonald. He and his colleagues were very kind and helped me learn legal work. I’ve never forgotten those days or the time that Jack took to help me. He was taken too soon! Marlene Darby

Judy and I mourn the passing of Jack, and share your grief with you. We understand how much Jack meant to you, and we understand your loss. We wish you comfort and understanding at this very difficult time in your lives.

Judy and I would very much like to have been able to attend the funeral, and to spend some time with you, but unfortunately, we are out of Calgary.

It was a pleasure and honour to have met Jack, particularly through his commitment to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation. My condolences to his family for your loss. Jack will be greatly missed by the community!

Dear Perraton Families:
We send you all our deepest sympathy and prayers on the passing of Jack. He was our lawyer many years ago and always a good and kind man. We pray you are being surrounded by many Earth Angels as you must mourn the loss of your wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather. God Rest His Soul! Take Care!
Old friends & clients, Greg & Maureen

Your husband, Dad, Grandfather Jack, was one of the calmest, gentlest, understanding, helpful people I have ever met. He treated all with the greatest of respect. It has been an honor to know him. Thinking of you all and how you must be hurting. Keep the good thoughts about him in your mind and he will feel closer to you all. I know the angels are with you.

Our deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of Jack. I have many fond memories of his friendship and leadership on the 2005 Exposition Board and many poltical dinners we worked on together. His contribution to the community was impressive and his loss will be felt throughout the City and Province. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your children and families at this difficult time.